On Wednesday, ABC aired what would be considered a “very special episode” of their comedy show Black-ish. For those not in the know, Black-ish, which stars Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross, centers on the Johnson family, an upper-middle class Black family living in the suburbs. The show takes a look at things from their perspective, and a lot of it is played for laughs. However, the latest episode, titled “Hope,” bucks that trend and is very serious. In it, they look at police brutality and how it affects the Black community. The episode itself has been lauded as very important for all audiences to see and hopefully understand where we as a people are coming from.
Of course, there are people who see it in the inverse.
There is a news report on TV Guide’s website that the bigoted cheeto-colored toupee (I refuse to give his name any sort of credence or respect, because it’s deserving of neither) says that the episode is inherently racist. Where he pulled that information from, I have no idea, but there you go. But, this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to statements that make you go cross-eyed in confusion. Earlier in the month, Kendrick Lamar got roundly criticized for his performance at the Grammys, Beyoncé had heaps of criticism levied on her, not only due to her song “Formation,” but also her performance at the Super Bowl, and Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton got roundly criticized for being vocal and enthusiastic about his celebrations on the field.
I get it; people need something to be angry about, and that’s fine. However, it seems that Black people are only accepted in this world if they’re humble or not so enthusiastic about their gifts or abilities. Case in point, Seattle Seahawks QB Russell Wilson is beloved by media outlets because he keeps his head down and isn’t overly celebratory. Meanwhile, Arron Rodgers and Tom Brady can trash talk like nobody’s business and cuss out their teammates, and no one bats an eye. Granted, there are exceptions – hello Stephen Curry, but for the most part, we have to be seen and not heard; in fact, if we’re not seen and not heard, that’s all the better.
It’s almost as if we’re not allowed to have pride in ourselves, and we’re not allowed to celebrate our excellence. Why? Hell if I know…I guess it makes some people uncomfortable. You know what, though? I don’t give a damn. We’re an exuberant race. We love having fun, and we celebrate our achievements. Let us celebrate our blackness, and if it offends you? Oh, well. Suck it up, buttercup. Everything ain’t for everyone, and it seems like there’s a certain demographic that either hasn’t accepted it, or don’t wanna accept it. People of Color (Black, Hispanic, Asian, Native) have to accept that all the time, and it’s a damn shame. It’s a shame that we can’t be who we are because it makes you uncomfortable. It’s not our job to make you feel comfortable…not anymore. It never should’ve been, but it is what it is. Let us live our lives and have fun while we’re doing it.
If that bothers you, well…have a sip from your cup and shut up.